I've moved these from the i-phone notes section to a website blog screen. Next step, brain.

1) Listen all the time. Almost always. And listen to music a lot. Any music. Don't seek something specific from it; hear what it is.

2) Remember that music is a worthy path. It is a beautiful and natural gift to share with others!

3) If you wish you could do more with your music, the answer is two part:

a) First: remember that music is primarily driven by one's spiritual state / state-of-mind and the remainder is technical. Let's say for example you are feeling bad about something. Rather than pushing away the uncomfort of that feeling, acknowledge it is there, that it has a source, and take the chance to grow from it by being present with that feeling through the music in that moment.

b) Second: practice, and love the practice as an expression forward. Practice is your work. You can form a routine and practice but practice will be much more effective as long as you are aware of what you are doing, then you have a chance to learn from any kind of practice. The more you simply listen and speak through the instrument, the more natural it becomes.